12 Days of Broadband
2025 Was a Year of More BEAD Turmoil
Based on tentative results, about 65% of BEAD locations are in line for fiber. Another 22% will get satellite, and 10% will get fixed wireless.
FBA
The Fiber Broadband Association is a trade association that represents the fiber industry. Its mission is to accelerate the deployment of fiber broadband networks across the U.S. to promote digital equity.
FBA
States Deemphasize Local and Rural Focus After BEAD Restructuring, Report Finds
Kaptivate analysis finds some states’ references to rural America dropped 80 to 100 percent
BEAD
Broadband Industry Likes New Non-Deployment Bill
The SUCCESS for BEAD Act would allow more spending on infrastructure, but didn’t specify adoption or affordability efforts.
Broadband Mapping and Data
Fiber Broadband Association Says 11.8 Million New Fiber Passings in 2025
In a separate study, Ookla found median fixed wireless speeds from the mobile carriers decreased in 2025.
Fiber
Demand Drivers and Capacity Questions at Regional Fiber Connect Workshop
The Fiber Broadband Association's Kansas City workshop brought together more than 320 attendees to discuss AI, streaming, and cloud applications.
NTIA
Colby Humphrey and Lexi West: America’s Plans to Expand Broadband Could Be Hindered by Workforce
The BEAD program faces potential delays as the telecom industry confronts a projected shortage of skilled workers needed to build infrastructure.
permitting
Senate Unveils RAIL Act Days After House Advances Its Own Version
The bill would set permitting deadlines for work in railroad rights-of-way.
ISP
Regional ISP Says Fiber Buildout Will Deliver Noticeable Gains by 2027
Brightspeed said it spent its first six months rebuilding inherited Lumen systems and pushing its footprint toward a fiber-first model.
Tribal
Regional Fiber Broadband Association Deep Dive Into Tribal Broadband
Tribal leaders and industry experts gathered to address the unique permitting challenges and opportunities for fiber broadband in Arizona.
Veterans Affairs
Digital Equity Advocates Call for Training, Not Just Subsidies, in Rural Broadband Push
Experts said broadband expansion must include digital skills and telehealth access.
FBA
Kansas Wraps Up Major Broadband Program, Eyes BEAD Construction in 2026
Kansas broadband development official outlines next steps as Kansas nears BEAD deployment.
Fiber
Fiber is the Foundation for the Next Wave of Connectivity, Say Advocates
‘Fiber always wins,’ said market analyst Michael Render
Infrastructure
U.S. Broadband Spending Hit Record $90 Billion in 2024
Cumulative private investment topped $2.2 trillion
FBA
Chambers Criticizes BEAD Delays, Calls for Clearer Broadband Standards
The BEAD program, Chambers argued, has done more to delay construction than to drive it.
SpaceX
Speed Tests Could Help Improve Broadband Oversight, Ookla Executive Says
Rural Starlink users often report higher speeds than customers in congested urban areas
FBA
Broadband Spared as Ernst Urges $2 Trillion Cuts
After calling BEAD a “boondoggle” last year, the Iowa senator omitted the program.
